Top-Up Degree Programs - Complete Your Bachelor in 1 Year
HND to Degree Completion Pathway
Already have an HND or diploma? Complete your full bachelor degree in just 1 year (18 months part-time). Boost your career from diploma holder to degree graduate.
Fast-Track Your Career with Degree Completion
Diploma to Degree in 1 Year
Upgrade your qualification and career prospects
Top-up degree programs at Ceylon Open Campus provide the fastest route from HND or diploma qualification to full bachelor degree. If you've completed an HND but feel held back by not having a full degree, top-up programs offer the solution. Complete your bachelor qualification in just 1 year full-time or 18 months part-time.
The concept is simple: your HND or diploma is recognized as equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor degree. The top-up program represents the final year of degree study, focusing on advanced topics, independent research, and a substantial dissertation or project. Upon completion, you hold exactly the same bachelor degree as someone who studied for 3-4 years.
The career impact of upgrading from HND to degree is substantial. Diploma holders typically earn LKR 60,000-90,000 per month in entry-level positions. Degree graduates command LKR 100,000-150,000+ starting salaries, with access to management roles, professional positions, and significantly better career progression opportunities.
Top-up degree fees range from LKR 300,000 to 500,000 for the 1-year program. This investment typically pays for itself within 6-12 months through salary increases and promotion opportunities. Many employers sponsor top-up studies for their HND-qualified staff, recognizing the value of degree-level education.
Available Top-Up Degree Programs
BSc Computing Top-Up
Duration: 1 year
Total Fees: LKR 450,000
Complete BSc (Hons) Computing degree for HND IT/Computing holders. Advanced programming, project management, and dissertation.
Learn MoreBSc Cyber Security Top-Up
Duration: 1 year
Total Fees: LKR 500,000
Upgrade to BSc Cyber Security for HND IT holders. Advanced security, penetration testing, and security management.
Learn MoreBSc Business Management Top-Up
Duration: 1 year
Total Fees: LKR 400,000
Complete BSc Business for HND Business holders. Strategic management, research methods, and business dissertation.
Learn MoreBSc Quantity Surveying Top-Up
Duration: 1 year
Total Fees: LKR 450,000
Achieve BSc QS degree for HND QS/Construction holders. Advanced estimation, contract law, and professional practice.
Learn MoreBSc Nursing Top-Up
Duration: 18 months
Total Fees: LKR 500,000
Complete BSc Nursing for diploma nurses. Advanced nursing practice, research, management, and clinical specialization.
Learn MoreBSc Software Engineering Top-Up
Duration: 1 year
Total Fees: LKR 480,000
Upgrade to BSc Software Engineering for HND IT/Software holders. Advanced software design, architecture, and development.
Learn MoreBA Business Administration Top-Up
Duration: 1 year
Total Fees: LKR 380,000
Complete BA Business for HND Business/Management holders. Leadership, organizational behavior, and strategy.
Learn MoreBSc Data Analytics Top-Up
Duration: 1 year
Total Fees: LKR 450,000
Achieve BSc Data Analytics for HND IT/Computing holders. Big data, machine learning, and advanced analytics.
Learn MoreEntry Requirements
| Qualification Held | Top-Up Entry | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HND with Merit/Distinction | Direct entry to relevant top-up degree | Fastest progression route |
| HND with Pass Grade | Entry with 1+ year relevant work experience | Work experience demonstrates readiness |
| Equivalent Diploma (SLIATE, NAITA) | Entry subject to qualification review | Most national diplomas accepted |
| International Diploma | Entry subject to equivalency assessment | Submit transcripts for evaluation |
| Related Field Diploma | May require bridging modules | E.g., HND Business → BSc Computing |
Recognized HND Qualifications
We accept HND qualifications from:
- • SLIATE (Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technical Education)
- • NAITA (National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority)
- • University of Vocational Technology
- • BCS Higher Education Qualifications
- • Pearson BTEC HND programs
- • Other nationally recognized institutions
Career Impact: HND vs Degree
HND Qualification
- • Entry-level positions
- • Salary: LKR 60,000-90,000
- • Technical/assistant roles
- • Limited management access
- • Slower career progression
- • Some employer restrictions
Bachelor Degree (After Top-Up)
- • Professional positions
- • Salary: LKR 100,000-150,000+
- • Management roles accessible
- • Senior career opportunities
- • Faster advancement
- • All employers accept
Top-Up Degree ROI
35-60%
Average salary increase after degree completion
6-12
Months to recover program investment through salary increase
73%
Promoted to management within 2 years of degree completion
Which Top-Up Degree Should You Choose?
Computing & IT Top-Ups
BSc Computing for general IT careers. BSc Cyber Security for security specialists (highest demand/salary). BSc Software Engineering for developer roles. BSc Data Analytics for data science careers. Choose based on your career specialization goals.
Salary impact: +LKR 30K-50K per month | ROI: 6-10 months
Business Top-Ups
BSc Business Management for management roles. BA Business Administration for administrative and HR careers. Both open doors to supervisory and management positions not accessible with HND alone.
Salary impact: +LKR 25K-40K per month | ROI: 8-12 months
Specialist Top-Ups
BSc Quantity Surveying for construction professionals. BSc Nursing for registered nurse qualification and management roles. Both are professional qualifications with clear career paths and strong demand.
Salary impact: +LKR 30K-50K per month | ROI: 6-10 months
Full-Time vs Part-Time
Full-time (1 year): Best for those who can study full-time. Faster completion, more intensive. Part-time (18 months): Evening/weekend classes for working professionals. Continue earning while studying. Both lead to identical degree qualification.
Why Choose Top-Up Degrees at Ceylon Open Campus
Just 1 Year to Degree
Fastest route from HND to full bachelor degree. Complete in 1 year full-time vs 3-4 years starting fresh.
Massive Career Boost
35-60% salary increase typical. Access to management roles. Professional career opportunities previously closed.
Study While Working
Part-time options allow you to maintain your career and income while upgrading your qualification.
Identical Degree Qualification
Your degree is identical to those who studied 3-4 years. Employers see full bachelor degree, not "top-up".
Fast ROI
Program fees recovered within 6-12 months through salary increases. Excellent investment in career advancement.
Employer Sponsorship Available
Many employers sponsor top-up studies for HND-qualified staff. Benefits both employee career and company capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a top-up degree program?
A top-up degree allows HND or diploma holders to complete a full bachelor degree in just 1 year (18 months part-time). It recognizes your HND/diploma as equivalent to the first two years of a degree, requiring only the final year to earn full bachelor qualification.
What qualifications do I need for top-up degree entry?
You need a completed HND with merit/distinction, or equivalent diploma from recognized institutions. Some programs accept HND with pass grade plus work experience. SLIATE, NAITA, and other national HND qualifications are accepted.
How long does a top-up degree take to complete?
Top-up degrees take 1 year full-time or 18 months part-time. This is significantly faster than starting a full 3-4 year degree from scratch, leveraging your existing HND qualification.
What are the fees for top-up degree programs?
Top-up degree fees range from LKR 300,000 to 500,000 for the 1-year program. This represents excellent value as you gain a full bachelor degree in one year versus three.
What salary difference can I expect with a top-up degree?
HND holders typically earn LKR 60,000-90,000 per month. Upgrading to bachelor degree increases salary potential to LKR 100,000-150,000+. The degree qualification also opens management roles and career advancement.
Can I study top-up degree while working?
Yes! Part-time options with evening and weekend classes are available for all top-up programs. Most of our top-up students are working professionals upgrading their qualifications.
Ready to Complete Your Degree in Just 1 Year?
Contact Ceylon Open Campus today to explore top-up degree programs and boost your career from diploma to degree level.
Phone
075 922 0083
Mon-Sat: 8am-6pm
coc.ceylon@gmail.com
24-hour response time
Location
Ceylon Open Campus
30100 Kattankudy, Sri Lanka